Shooting through glass question

7 years 10 months ago #482444 by Joelle Shields
When going to the zoo, with animals behind glass.  Is there any way to photograph through the glass and have it look normal with no glare or quality reduction?  


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7 years 10 months ago #482483 by John Landolfi
I've used a polarizing filter, with some success. You sacrifice a lot of f-stops, so you need a high ISO,and it leaves you with some further work in PP.


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7 years 10 months ago #482545 by Joslyn
:agree:  John is giving the best advice.  Use a polarized filter for best shot of removing glare.  However if windows have any, and I mean ANY smudges, dirt or what ever.  It will show in the photos.  Try to find the cleanest spot to shoot through.   


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7 years 10 months ago #482558 by Joves
+3 on using a CP. Also be mindful of your positioning. Very few of the venues are set up well for shooting in if they have glass. There are a couple of zoos out there that actually have it where the majority of the lighting for the walkways is from the displays.


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7 years 10 months ago - 7 years 10 months ago #482571 by Screamin Scott
I shoot backyard birds thru a double sided window with no issues. A cpl will kill reflections in some cases, but it's best to have your lens pressed right up next to the glass. otherwise their will be reflections to deal with. As for "dirty" glass, it will only have a detrimental effect if you are shooting stopped down (unlikely). Think of it this way, when shooting a scene thru a window screen, you can pretty much make the screen disappear by using a large aperture& getting right up on the screen. The woodpecker image I'm attaching is an example of shooting thru a dirty, double paned window as the birds won't come around once I go outside.... Also is a link to a few photos taken at the Georgia Aquarium...
www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/albums/72157611674275181

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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7 years 10 months ago #482747 by Shadowfixer1
A polarizer isn't the answer. It will help but only a little. The best thing you can do is to try and shoot with the lens straight on through the glass. You need some way to block out all light coming in from the sides. If you have a lens hood that is flush on the end that is great. The best thing to do is to buy a rubber lens hood that you can put flush with the glass and it will give you a little play as far as shooting on an angle if you have to. In a pinch you can cup your hand around as much of the lens as possible where it meets the glass. The goal is no light from adjacent sources on your side of the glass. Get some disposable glass wipes in case you need to clean an area. The same information applies to shooting in acquariums.
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7 years 10 months ago #482787 by effron
The issue is where the light is coming from. If its coming from behind you, pressing right against the glass is all you can do. If its dark behind you and the primary lighting is on the subject side of the glass, you'll not need any filters....just shoot away. All of the above advice is good for any particular circumstance.....

Why so serious?
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